Fort Hare Bursaries and Funding

Students at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) can fund their studies through NSFAS, the Funza Lushaka bursary for teachers, the COID bursary for "missing middle" students, and Fort Hare's own merit fee waivers. The university's Financial Aid Office administers bursaries and loans. The details below come from Fort Hare's application information and its 2026 general prospectus.

NSFAS

The NSFAS bursary is open to South African citizens and permanent residents with a combined household income of no more than R350,000 a year before deductions. For people living with disabilities, the cap is R600,000 a year. Apply on the NSFAS website, and do not wait for a Fort Hare offer before you apply.

Funza Lushaka

The Funza Lushaka bursary applies only to students who intend to enrol for a Bachelor of Education degree. It helps eligible students complete a teaching qualification in an area of national priority.

The COID bursary

The COID bursary is a Department of Labour scheme for "missing middle" students, whose parents earn more than the R350,000 NSFAS threshold. Fort Hare advises students when this funding becomes available, so that they can apply.

Merit fee waivers

Fort Hare rewards strong Grade 12 results with tuition waivers for new undergraduates. In the 2026 prospectus:

• 34 to 38 merit points: R3,500
• 39 to 42 merit points: R4,500
• 43 to 47 merit points: R5,500
• 48 points or more: full tuition

Financial aid from Fort Hare

Fort Hare offers financial aid and bursaries for eligible students. You can apply through the Financial Aid Office, or during the application process where this applies. Check the university's financial aid page for the latest opportunities.

Discounts

Fort Hare gives a 10% discount if you pay all fees at registration and 5% if you pay 75%. There is also a 10% tuition discount for every additional child from the same family registered at the university.

Fee payment agreements

If you cannot pay in full, you can ask for a fee payment agreement. The person who signs it must show proof of a stable income, such as recent proof of income and three months of bank statements.

Losing a bursary

Fort Hare's disciplinary rules list the forfeiture of a bursary or loan granted or administered by the university as one possible penalty for serious misconduct, so keep to the university's rules.

Fees to plan for

At least 50% of fees are due by the end of June and 100% by the end of November for students without financial aid or a payment agreement. Read more on the Fort Hare fees page.

More funding

Browse our bursaries for companies, SETAs and government departments that fund Fort Hare students.